The Nationwide League One (NLO), Nigeria’s third-tier league, has sealed a sponsorship deal with FirstCentral Credit Bureau, Nigeria’s only independent and first licensed credit bureau.
The FirstCentral Credit Bureau sponsorship will cover the NLO Cup, billed to kick off in Kano and Uyo on November 24th, and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for December 8, which will set the ball rolling for the 2024/25 season.
Hon. Silas Agara, Chairman of the nation’s largest football league by number of teams, announced the sponsorship deal during a press conference held at the NLO Secretariat Board Room in Abuja. Agara said the various reforms the new league board had put in place have started yielding positive gains and have made the NLO a more attractive brand for corporate Nigeria. Evident with the new sponsorship deal between the NLO and FirstCentral Credit Bureau, according to him.
“We are delighted to have the FirstCentral Credit Bureau come on board as one of our sponsors. I believe the various reforms that the new board is proposing to the AGM will yield positive gains and make the NLO a more attractive brand to Corporate Nigeria. The reforms are yet to be approved, but due to positive activities from the NLO Secretariat, we have been seeing positive changes,” Agara told NLO Media Channel.
The former deputy governor of Nassarawa State further explained why the NLO is a viable brand for corporate Nigeria and why they should key into sponsoring the league. Agara added that the attention to the league was now widespread with a dedicated streaming platform.
“You will agree with me that the Nationwide League One, with over 300 clubs making it the largest in Africa, is a viable brand for corporate organisation in Nigeria, this has brought about our relationship with First Central Credit Bureau,” Agara revealed.
“Football in Nigeria is massive and an incredible unifier that connects people from all walks of life, as grassroots football is watched daily. It’s on record that 70% of NLO Division One and U-19 Youth League matches were live-streamed via the NLO TV App.”
The leadership of the NLO has also shown commitment to the growth of grassroots football which has seen a massive increase in the number of participating teams in the NLO from 80 clubs to over 300 clubs cutting across all 36 States of the Federation and FCT, due to the financial prudence with the little resources available.
“The Board can confidently assure Nigerians that with support from top brands such as First Central Credit Bureau, Nigerians will see more positive service delivery from the NLO,” Agara added.
“So, FirstCentral Credit Bureau will leverage our platform by sponsoring the inaugural NLO Cup and also take care of the bills for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) billed for Friday, December 8, 2023.”
Leave a comment